Home to high-risers, offices, shopping zones and nightlife, the bustling and restless town of St Julian’s is slowly gaining ground for a relatively novel attraction in this area: public art.
And the latest to be installed – a large-scale sculpture located outside and commissioned by Pendergardens and Mercury – is arguably the most family-oriented one yet.
Designed by Zack Ritchie, Familja, the artist notes, “is not just art for art’s sake”. Speaking to DesignDispatch, he shares that the sculpture is a gentle but powerful reminder that while our environment may change, our values shouldn’t.
“Installed in the middle of what’s long been known as Malta’s nightlife hub, Familja marks a turning point. With new developments already underway, this district is slowly shifting towards a more family-friendly, business-focused space,” says Zack.
The copper sculpture features stylised figures, holding hands, some with musical notes for heads. Each character represents a different age, energy and rhythm, symbolising the diversity and harmony within society. “As the musical heads suggest, we may all march to our own beat, but we’re still part of the same song,” says Zack.
“This piece is about community,” he adds. “It’s a reminder that no matter how spaces evolve, we’re still here connected, adapting, moving together as one tribe.”
Familja is the sixth large-scale public sculpture in St Julian’s by the designer-artist that forms part of a wider mission of his – to turn Malta into a cultural playground, and bring beauty, meaning, and identity to urban spaces through landmark artworks that locals and visitors can connect with.
His previous copper and bronze sculptures, installed within the grounds of Mercury, feature lively characters, each one rooted in Maltese culture and iconography. From the luzzu-inspired Ninu to Maria, based on the goddess of fertility, the characters are intended to engage, delight and surprise, while drawing passers-by closer to the Malta’s unique charms, quirks and heritage.
Zack’s previous sculptures have earned him both local and international recognition, including awards from the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) awards, the Intellectual Property (IP) awards, the New York-based ADC awards, and the international ftNFT awards.
What drives him, however, is the belief that public art can spark pride, reflection, and a sense of belonging. “In a district better known for its neon lights and party crowds, Familja offers a different kind of glow, one rooted in togetherness.”
Photography: Zack Ritchie
